FLAGS — Minnesota Code § 609.40
Minnesota Code § 609.40 — FLAGS. Reproduced from the official Minnesota Statutes, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 609.40. FLAGS
Subdivision 1.Definition.
In this section "flag" means anything which is or purports to be the Stars and Stripes, the United States shield, the United States coat of arms, the Minnesota state flag, or a copy, picture, or representation of any of them.
Subd. 2.Acts prohibited.
Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a misdemeanor:
(1) intentionally and publicly mutilates, defiles, or casts contempt upon the flag; or
(2) places on or attaches to the flag any word, mark, design, or advertisement not properly a part of such flag or exposes to public view a flag so altered; or
(3) manufactures or exposes to public view an article of merchandise or a wrapper or receptacle for merchandise upon which the flag is depicted; or
(4) uses the flag for commercial advertising purposes.
Subd. 3.Exceptions.
This section does not apply to flags depicted on written or printed documents or periodicals or on stationery, ornaments, pictures, or jewelry, provided there are not unauthorized words or designs on such flags and provided the flag is not connected with any advertisement.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.40; 1971 c 23 s 45
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Minnesota Statutes § 609.40
- Jurisdiction: Minnesota
- Code: Minnesota Statutes
- Subject: FLAGS
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
Verify the text
Statute text is transcribed from the official Minnesota Statutes. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Minnesota Statutes § 609.40?
The text above is transcribed from the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutes of Minnesota. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Minnesota Statutes § 609.40 address?
It addresses "FLAGS". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Minnesota Statutes § 609.40 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Minnesota source before relying on this text.
Can this page be used as legal advice?
No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Minnesota law to your facts requires a licensed Minnesota attorney who can review the specifics.